VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean): What You Should Know

labourandbirth parenthood pregnancy vaginal birth after caesarean vbac Jul 16, 2025

Welcoming a VBAC Journey

If you’ve previously had a caesarean birth and are now pregnant again, you might be wondering whether a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) could be an option for you. You’re not alone - more and more women are exploring the possibility of giving birth vaginally after a C-section, and many are doing so safely and successfully.
Whether your previous caesarean was planned or unexpected, deciding how to give birth this time around is a deeply personal choice - one that should be guided by evidence, support, and your own intuition.
This article explores what VBAC is, its potential benefits and risks, and how to decide whether it might be right for you.

What is a VBAC?

A VBAC is exactly what it sounds like: giving birth vaginally after having had one (or sometimes more) previous caesarean sections.
Many people are surprised to learn that a vaginal birth is often possible after a C-section, depending on the reason for the previous caesarean and how the current pregnancy is progressing.
The alternative is an elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS), which may be advised in certain cases but is not always necessary.

Why Consider a VBAC?

There are several reasons you might consider trying for a VBAC:

A shorter recovery time: Vaginal births typically involve less pain and a quicker recovery than major abdominal surgery, which can be particularly helpful if you have other children at home.
Lower risk of surgical complications: Although a caesarean is generally safe, it still carries the risks associated with surgery - such as infection, blood loss, or injury to nearby organs.
Greater involvement in the birth: Some mothers choose VBAC for the chance to have a more active and spontaneous birthing experience.
Fewer risks in future pregnancies: Multiple caesareans can increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies, such as placenta accreta or uterine rupture. VBAC may help to reduce these longer-term risks.

Is VBAC Safe?

In many cases, VBAC is a safe and reasonable choice. According to guidance from health bodies such as the NHS and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), around three in four women who attempt a VBAC give birth vaginally.

However, VBAC isn’t suitable for everyone. Your doctor or midwife will consider factors such as:

The reason for your previous caesarean
The type of uterine incision you had
How many previous caesareans you’ve had
Your overall health and pregnancy history
Whether any complications are present this time around

The most serious risk associated with VBAC is uterine rupture, where the scar on the uterus tears during labour. Though rare, this requires urgent medical attention. Careful monitoring throughout labour helps to significantly reduce this risk.

What Can Help Increase Your Chances of a Successful VBAC?

If you and your healthcare provider decide that VBAC is a good option, there are steps you can take to support your body and mind in the lead-up to birth:

Choose a supportive care team: Work with a midwife or obstetrician who has experience with VBAC and is supportive of physiological birth. Some hospitals and birth centres are more VBAC-friendly than others.
Educate yourself: Understanding how labour works, the choices available to you, and what VBAC involves will help you feel empowered. Antenatal classes that focus specifically on VBAC can be especially valuable.
Practise hypnobirthing or relaxation techniques: Techniques such as hypnobirthing can help ease fear and anxiety - particularly if your previous birth was challenging or unexpected. Breathing, visualisation, and relaxation exercises can keep you calm, focused and in control.
Look after your body: Eating well, staying active, and getting good rest all help prepare your body for labour. Gentle activity like walking or pregnancy yoga can also encourage optimal positioning for your baby.
Stay flexible: Having a birth plan is great, but it’s also important to remain open to change if circumstances require it. Whatever happens, you’re doing a wonderful job.

Emotional Considerations

Choosing a VBAC after a previous caesarean can bring up a range of emotions - hope, excitement, worry, even grief. You might find yourself processing feelings from your last birth as you prepare for this one.
Be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek support. Speaking with a birth professional, doula, or therapist can be incredibly beneficial.

VBAC can be a safe, empowering, and even healing experience for many women. It’s not about proving anything - it’s about making the choice that feels right for you, your baby, and your body.
If you’re considering VBAC and want to feel calm, confident, and well-supported, our hypnobirthing course is here to guide you. Whether or not you’ve had a previous caesarean, hypnobirthing can help you connect with your inner strength and feel confident in your choices.
You deserve to feel informed and empowered - no matter how your birth unfolds.